Bridal paradise

Bucks County Wedding Show on March 11 will feature more than 50 vendors to help couples plan for their big day

By Samantha Bambino

The Times

Wedding bells are ringing: Visit Bucks County will host the free Bucks County Wedding Show featuring more than 50 vendors and presentations on March 11 in Doylestown. PHOTO: Visit Bucks County

Growing up, most little girls dream about their wedding day. They envision a magical affair filled with flowers, dancing, beautiful dresses and, of course, a real-life Prince Charming by their side. Usually, the bride’s expectations are met or even surpassed…it’s the months (or years) of planning prior to the big day that tend to get a little hairy. But honestly, choosing between multiple invitation fonts, cake flavors and scenic venues is enough to land the best of us on an episode of Bridezillas.

Thankfully, Visit Bucks County has future brides and grooms covered. On Sunday, March 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at Delaware Valley University, the tourism promotion agency is hosting the free Bucks County Wedding Show featuring more than 50 local venues, bakeries, photographers and more, all conveniently under one roof.

Throughout the afternoon, couples can get a jump-start on the majority of their to-do list items. They’ll be able to enjoy food and wine tastings, explore cake options, find a talented photographer and scout picturesque venues. From river and lakeside mansions to romantic bed and breakfasts, lush wineries to countryside barns, there’s sure to be a spot to fulfill every bride’s childhood dream.

Each hour, a specialized presentation is slated to take place. During a DIY session with Bensalem’s Flower Girl Florist, a representative will teach attendees how to create a flourishing floral arrangement while offering guidance on varieties and colors.

Churchville’s Deserve Your Time will host “Wedding Planning 101,” which will provide couples with a glimpse into the company’s special occasion planning services. According to owner and lead planner Galina Nemtsov-Wohl, there are a number of small but critical elements that go into a wedding, whether it’s booking the entertainment or mailing out “save-the-dates.”

The mission of Deserve Your Time, which will soon be rebranded and named Sapphyre Events, is to make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle. The company offers whole and partial event planning, as well as day-of management and coordination to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

“We’re by their side every step of the way,” she said.

At the wedding show, Nemtsov-Wohl will offer tips and advice, especially for those couples looking to get married in the busy upcoming spring and fall seasons.

“Couples can take these ideas, implement them and make their vision shine through,” she said.

When asked to share her main piece of guidance, Nemtsov-Wohl’s answer was short and sweet — start early. She recommends beginning at least a year prior to the wedding date, but a year and a half is even better.

“It’s never too early to start planning a wedding,” she said. “You don’t have to settle for venues, especially around the holidays.”

The band Philly Rock & Soul of “I Do” Entertainment will serenade the crowd before Sposabella Bridal, 1201 Buck Road in Feasterville, hosts a fashion showcase. A handful of models will don 20 wedding gowns, each boasting a unique look and trend. According to shop owner, Roberta Rushing, brides will get to see it all — classic ball gowns, “sexy” silhouettes, shear backs, dresses sewn with crystals, and a mixture of high and plunging necklines.

Sposabella, which has become a local staple since it opened its doors 12 years ago, prides itself on keeping up with the latest styles. This year, Rushing said it’s all about colors as brides say “goodbye” to classic white and “hello” to blush pink, gold and ivory. During the fashion show, the models will walk through the crowd, allowing attendees to see the dresses up close, feel the material and take photos for reference later on.

Rushing explained this experience is similar to what clients can expect at Sposabella. Instead of storing the gowns in bags, Rushing proudly displays them throughout the shop, giving brides the opportunity to browse at their leisure.

“We want them to have a touch and feel experience they don’t get in other salons,” she said.

After the showcase, brides will have the chance to speak one-on-one with a Sposabella staff member to make an appointment or learn about its other services, which include in-house seamstresses, customizable accessories as well as bridal party and mother of the bride dresses. Visit sposabella-bridal.com/ for more information.

Admission to the Bucks County Wedding Show is free, however pre-registered guests will be entered to win a romantic getaway. The prize includes an overnight stay for two at The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, a gift certificate to Triumph Brewing Company for a beer tasting, a wine tasting courtesy of Crossing Vineyards & Winery and a gift certificate for dining at a Peddler’s Village restaurant of your choice. Pre-registration is available at visitbuckscounty.com/weddings-celebrations/bucks-county-wedding-show/2018-wedding-show-pre-registration. ••

If you go..

The Bucks County Wedding Show will take place on Sunday, March 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at Delaware Valley University (Student Center, Moumgis Auditorium), 700 E. Butler Ave. in Doylestown. For more information, daily updates and a full list of vendors, visit visitbuckscounty.com/weddingshow.